Toothache is an annoying problem, especially at night. A toothache at night can make it difficult for people to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are an assortment of ways that people can get relief. Some include applying pain relievers, cold compresses, and even cloves to their teeth.
Learn more about these nine home remedies that can relieve your nighttime toothache.
9 methods to treat a toothache at bedtime
Because there is not much to distract from the pain, it may be harder to treat a nighttime toothache.
These are some ways to ease pain
1. Oral pain medication
People can reduce mild to moderate toothaches by using over-the counter (OTC) pain medication like Tylenol (Tylenol), or ibuprofen(Advil). It is quick and easy. Keep to the recommended dosage as indicated on the packaging. If your toothache is severe, you should visit a dentist to ask about stronger painkillers.
2. Cold compress
Cold compresses may be helpful in relieving toothache pain. To help reduce pain, wrap a towel with ice and apply it to the jaw or affected side of the face. In addition, you can also prevent pain by applying a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every other night.
3. Elevation
Additional pain and inflammation may result from the accumulation of blood in your head. Some people may find it enough to help their pain enough to fall asleep by elevating their head with one or more pillows.
4. Ointments that are medicated
Some medicated creams and ointments might also help with toothache pain. OTC numbing creams and ointments with ingredients such as benzocaine could help to numb this area. Benzocaine is not recommended for children under the age of 6.
5. Salt water rinse
A simple salt water rinse can be used to relieve toothache symptoms at home. Salt water is a natural antibacterial agent Trusted source. It may help reduce inflammation. This protects damaged teeth against infection. Salt water rinses may be able to remove food particles or other debris that has clung to the teeth and gums.
6. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Peppermint tee and/or sucking on peppermint tee bags. Researchers note that peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. Menthol, which is an active ingredient in peppermint may have mild numbing effects on sensitive areas.
8. Clove
Eugenol is one of the main ingredients in cloves and can help reduce tooth pain. According to a 2015 clinical trial, people who applied Eugenol to their gums or socket after a tooth was removed experienced less pain and inflammation. Eugenol works as an analgesic. This means it numbs your area. For a toothache, you can use ground cloves to make a paste. You can then apply the paste to your tooth or place it into a teabag.
It may also be possible to relieve pain by gently chewing or sucking a single clove and allowing it rest near the tooth. This is not a good remedy for children as they might swallow too many cloves. Individual cloves can become painful and spiky if swallowed.
9. Garlic
Garlic, a common household ingredient, is used by some people to alleviate toothache pain.
Allicin, the main ingredient in garlic, has an strong antibacterial actionTrusted Source. This may help eliminate bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth pain and cavities. The best way to ease pain is to simply chew a clove or garlic and allow it to rest near your tooth. This may not work for everyone as raw garlic can have a strong taste so it is best to avoid them.
Causes
Tooth decay can be a common cause of toothache. Untreated tooth decay can lead to cavities. Cavities happen when bacteria and acids break through the enamel, and eat away the delicate tissues within the tooth. This can lead to mild-to-severe nerve pain. Toothache can also be caused by sinus infections. The infection drains away from the head. Nighttime symptoms such as pain or pressure may be worse.
There are other possible causes of toothache:
- A filling is lost
- dental abscesses
- Trauma to the jaw
- A wisdom tooth, or an adult tooth being in
- You can get food stuck in your teeth or gums
- nightly teeth grinding
- gum illness
Why are some toothaches more painful at night?
Toothaches may be uncomfortable during the day, but can get worse at night.
One reason this might happen is that blood rushes up to the head while a person lies down. The pressure and pain that people feel when they have a toothache may be aggravated by the extra blood. One reason many aches feel worse at nights is that there are fewer distractions. It can be difficult for someone to fall asleep when they only have to pay attention to their toothache.
Time To Visit A Local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist
Patients suffering from nighttime toothache should consult a dentist right away. Temporary relief is not possible with home remedies. To treat toothache that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a sore throat or a bleeding gum, you may need antibiotics.
If a tooth has become cracked or is decaying, the person should consult their dentist. They can recommend a permanent solution. It is possible to ignore the signs of tooth damage, such as an aching or broken tooth, which can lead to more serious problems, such abscesses, gum diseases, and even tooth loss.
Conclusion
A toothache can be a very painful experience. Home remedies are temporary and may help someone get some sleep but they do not provide permanent relief. If you have a toothache lasting more than 1 to 2 days, and no symptoms of a serious sinus infection, it is important that you see a dentist immediately for treatment. They may have to clean out a cavity, or they might need to consider other options such as root canals or tooth removals.